You don't have to be a doctor to save lives...just an advocate with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The Minnesota Advocacy Beat is a resource for those of you working hard to fight heart disease and stroke across MN and the country. Keep up-to-date on state policy issues, check out what is going on in the media and let us know what you are doing as a You’re the Cure advocate!

Throughout the year, our blog will feature AHA volunteer stories of survival and hope.
We know there are thousands of stories like these - thats why we want to say “Thanks” to all of you for giving your time and sharing your lives with us.
You can’t spell CURE without U! Thank you for all you do to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. YOU’RE THE CURE!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The American Heart Association had another successful meeting with legislators and advocates last night! A strong group of ten advocates met with Senator Chuck Wiger (SD 55) at the Maplewood Library to share their concerns about the decline in physical education programs across the state and its impact on our kids’ health. A group of teachers, parents, doctors and concerned community members shared why phy ed is important to the future of kids’ health—and the health of the state!

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in Minnesota and one surefire way to curb obesity in our kids is to get them more active and teach them the lifelong skills that will keep them active as adults. The American Heart Association is asking the state to enact the statewide standards and graduation requirement for physical education during the 2009 legislative session. Click here to view our fact sheet on this bill.

Senator Wiger echoed his constituents’ concerns and vowed to support the American Heart Association’s legislation as a co-sponsor! Special guest, Representative Leon Lillie (55A), also attended this meeting and shared his support for instilling life-long healthy habits in our children. This meeting demonstrates how influential advocates are when they connect with their legislators. Huge thanks to these wonderful advocates and to Senator Wiger and Rep. Lillie!

You're the Cure

The American Heart Association is always looking for committed and active advocates -- like you-- to join our You're the Cure advocacy network. This group of volunteers contacts their elected officials to help pass important heart-healthy policies in their state and across the nation.